An 18-year-old star matriculant of Simanyene High School in Zola, Strand, obtained seven distinctions and now is on a quest to fulfil her dream of becoming a doctor.
Ayabonga Mbobo has consistently been a hard worker throughout her schooling career and obtained outstanding results in life sciences, physics, geography, maths, life orientation, isiXhosa and English first additional language – just missing out as a top provincial achiever.
The aspiring medical student, who has already been provisionally accepted at UCT to pursue her studies, is heavily reliant on securing a bursary to help her finance her journey.
“I don’t have a plan B,” she admitted, and explained that she has fully committed to her dream and cannot be swayed from her ambition.
Mbobo was born in the Eastern Cape but moved to Strand when she was still a baby. She attended Silukhanyo Primary School in Zola and in 2017 started high school at Simanyene High School.
“I’ve always loved studying and spending time with books. I really enjoy school”.
Like many matriculants, Mbobo found the stress heavy on her shoulders at times over and above the unique challenges she faced during her matric year.
“It was difficult to find a quiet, peaceful place to study, especially on weekends. There’s also a lack of resources in the townships, like just getting to a library is such a mission as it’s far, and learning materials are very limited, especially access to computers”.
Mbobo was fortunate to have limited access to Wi-Fi, and used this to stream tuition lessons from Youtube – a privilege many in her community do not enjoy.
“Without online videos it would’ve been much more difficult. I used to help explain concepts in physical sciences to my classmates, and this also helped me better understand the subject. I also loved maths and am so grateful to our wonderful maths teacher at the school who made it so enjoyable”.
But no matter the means, Mbobo knew for certain there was no getting away from hard work and commitment, especially in her matric year.
“I didn’t go out in 2021, only church on Sundays. The rest of the time I was just studying and attending afternoon classes. I also had a very good support system from friends, classmates and my parents”.
To unwind, Mbobo would take afternoon siestas and loved watching Keeping up with the Kardashians to help her relax.
Mbobo’s mother is a nurse and her father is unemployed, but she believes that no matter anyone’s circumstance, it’s always possible to reach for your dreams through dedication, hard work and most importantly, prayer.
“When I felt that this was getting too much I would close my book and pray, and I can say for certain that my achievements are a grace from God”.
She was delighted to learn that she has been accepted at UCT, but is now concerned her path to success might be cut off before it even begins.
“I’m still waiting on a bursary as I’ve applied to some organisations. I’m just crossing my fingers that something will come through soon. I am committed and won’t disappoint anyone who supports me. It can change your life to help someone and it will be worth your while to see my dream come true”.
V To get in touch with Mbobo, contact 071 411 4666 or 073 633 2660.
